The route to becoming a barrister

To become a barrister you need to be bright but you will also need to have good academic qualifications. It does require hard work throughout your time at school, university and Bar School. If you apply yourself and are intelligent, then you can become a barrister. This film is about the qualifications you will need, the availability of financial help during your studies and other extra-curricular activities you can undertake to improve your CV.

A good way to find out more about the Bar and to add to your CV is to do work experience in a barristers' chambers or with a legal employer – often referred to as a mini-pupillage. You can find out more about chambers and employers who offer mini-pupillages in The Pupillages Handbook which is available from the Bar Council, or if you're at university, your careers advisor. There is a searchable database of chambers & employers who offer pupillages at The Pupillage Portal. Remember also that most chambers will have a website which will provide more information about the work they do and whether they offer work experience. The Education Departments of each of the Inns of Court can also help to put you in touch with barristers in order for you to ask questions and learn more about the Bar.